Chef

“If you love food and really enjoy cooking, this could be the perfect career for you.”

Chefs prepare food using a variety of cooking methods. In large kitchens they normally work as part of a team. The head chef runs the entire kitchen.

You may not need any academic qualifications to start work as a trainee chef. However some employers will prefer you to have a good general standard of education including GCSEs in subjects like English and maths.

To become a chef, you will need to have a keen interest in food and cooking, and be able to do several tasks at once. You'll also need creativity and imagination for food presentation.

Skills you'll learn at South Devon College

food preparation and cooking

communication and leadership skills

the ability to work under pressure

high standards of cleanliness and hygiene

the ability to multitask

creativity and imagination for food presentation

teamwork

Your future

almost 50% of leisure, travel and related occupations will require qualifications at level 3 or above by 2020

34,000 people will be employed in accommodation and food across the South West by 2020. A 22% increase on 2010 totals

157,000 new jobs will be created nationally in the accommodation and food sector by 2020 - an 8% increase on 2010 jobs. 2,049,000 in total

99% of Catering and Hospitality students moved forward into a positive destination, including employment, apprenticeships and further study

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